The Plateau Commissioner for Works, Mr Chris Hassan, said on Wednesday in Jos that the state government had?awarded 20 road contracts worth N33 billion to be completed in two years.
Speaking shortly after signing the contract papers, Hassan said the Gov. Jonah Jang's administration was executing a 10-point agenda with a special focus on the provision of a sound road network.
“Roads have been a major focus because all developments are anchored on the movement of goods and services. We cannot develop without roads.’’
He said that much had been done in the area of road construction, but that government intended to construct more roads and bridges to open up the hinterland so that development could flow.
“Any visitor to Plateau will see the difference. We are doing all these because one day, we shall give an account of our stewardship to mankind, and ultimately to God.’’
The commissioner warned the contractors against “substandard work’’ and urged them to put the public interest above the selfish desire to amass profit.
“And if you think Plateau is where you will come and learn how to construct roads, then I assure you this is the wrong place,’’ he warned.
Hassan warned further: “If you also think you can just come and take the 30 percent mobilisation fee and disappear, I assure you, again, that you cannot do that here.’’
He also cautioned the contractors against relegating technical and legal specifics to the background.
According to him, the?corporate responsibility that entails the creation of job opportunities for Plateau indigenes should also never be compromised.
“You must strive to complement our efforts toward reducing poverty and unemployment,’’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Michael Dofe of?P. W. Nig. Ltd thanked the state government for the offers and pledged to execute quality job.
Some of the projects include the construction of a fly-over at the Federal Secretariat junction, Jos, as well as the dualisation of the Old Airport-Rayfield-Government House Road in Jos. (NAN)